Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi

Udupi, Aug 31:  The first death anniversary was observed on August 29 at Hindu higher primary school, Udyavar. Karkala former MLA Gopal Bhandary presided over the programme.

Udyavar friends circle president Late Manjunath Udyavar, personal assistant to Oscar Fernandes was a personality well cherished among all. He had put many efforts into developing Udyavar gram, improvement of the stadium and also the towns graveyard.

M A Ghafoor, secretary of KPCC; Dr Srikanth Rao Sidhapura, professor of PPC Udupi and Diwakar Kundar, ZP member Udupi were the chief guests.

Girish Kumar, Taluk Panchayat member Udupi, Nagesh Kumar Udyavar, director of Udyavar freinds circle, Anooop Kumar, president of Udyavar friends circle were present on the dias.

Anoop Kumar welcomed the gathering.

The programme was inaugurated with the customary lighting of the lamp and adorning the portrait of Manjunath with a flower garland.

Dr Srikanth Rao in his speech said "Manjunath Udyavar was a close friend of mine, he was the one who introduced me to Oscar Fernandes although I was only a common Congress activist he gave me a chance to meet the national leader. Manjunath Udyavar motivated me and he is one of the main reasons for me to become a professor.

"We shared a lot of our joy as well as our troubles with each other. Now only his memories are with me. We must continue to do all the good deeds as Manjunath did," he added.

M A Ghafoor said that "Manjunath brought about many developments in the education field. A permanent project will be set up in Udyavar for which Oscar Fernandes has provided instructions and will be carried out shortly. Manjunath had initiated the set up of the Hindu graveyard which has helped the locals to pay their respects.

"He was a sincere person who used to differentiate between truth and lies. I pray for God's strength over his family. His brother Nagesh Manjunath is currently PA to Oscar since he Oscar wanted to maintain his relationship in memory of Manjunath," he added.

Gopal Bhandary "he had a humorous personality,  a very hard worker, loyal to Oscar Fernandes and his hometown. He is missed sincerely in this town, his death is a loss to the society."

Gram Panchayat member Riyaz Palli proposed the vote of thanks. Ramesh Kumar Udyavar compered the programme.

After the formal stage programme, 'Beeshma Prathigne Yakshagana thala madale' was staged.